As I first set foot in the verdant lands of Sumeru, I never imagined that my greatest challenge would come from creatures so adorable yet so fiercely territorial. The Fungi—those mushroom-capped denizens of this mystical realm—have become both my quarry and my obsession, for within their peculiar forms lies the Dormant Fungal Nucleus, a treasure essential for my journey's progress.
The Call of New Weapons 🏹
When the winds of change swept through Teyvat with the 3.0 update, they brought with them three magnificent Bows that captured my imagination:
-
Hunter's Path - A weapon of exceptional grace and power
-
End of the Line - Bearing the weight of countless stories
-
King's Squire - Royal in name and bearing
Each of these weapons whispers promises of power, yet they demand a price. To ascend them to their full potential, I must gather the Dormant Fungal Nucleus—a Common Ascension Material that has become my constant companion in this journey. This 3-Star-Rarity variant sits among its siblings: the Inactivated Fungal Nucleus and the Robust Fungal Nucleus, forming a trinity of resources that fuel the ambitions of every archer in Sumeru.
My Companions on This Path 🌿
I find myself walking this road alongside Tighnari and Collei, two remarkable Dendro users who have mastered the art of the bow. Tighnari, in particular, has formed an almost mystical bond with Hunter's Path—his signature weapon seems to sing in harmony with his very essence. Watching him wield it inspires me to pursue the materials needed to unlock its full potential.
The irony is not lost on me: to help these forest guardians reach their pinnacle, I must hunt the very creatures they might otherwise protect. Such is the paradox of power in Teyvat.
Understanding the Fungi Folk 🍄
These creatures are far more complex than their cute appearance suggests. I've learned to see past their cuddly exterior to recognize them for what they truly are: territorial beings who will defend their domains with surprising ferocity. Approach within several meters of their habitat, and you'll quickly discover that mushroom caps can hide sharp determination.
The Fungi that yield Dormant Fungal Nuclei are no ordinary foes. I've encountered them at Level 40 and above, each variety presenting unique challenges:
The Floating Variants 💨
Floating Dendro Fungus - These drift through the canopy like forest spirits, their movements as graceful as falling leaves.
Floating Hydro Fungus - Water droplets cling to their caps, shimmering in the dappled sunlight.
The Whirling Types 🌪️
Whirling Cryo Fungus - They spin with icy determination, leaving frost patterns in their wake.
Whirling Electro Fungus - Crackling with energy, they dance with lightning itself.
The Specialized Forms ✨
Winged Cryoshroom - Perhaps the most majestic, with ice-crystal wings that catch the light.
Stretchy Anemo Fungus - Their elastic nature makes them unpredictable opponents.
Stretchy Pyro Fungus - Fire and flexibility combine in these fascinating creatures.
Grounded Hydroshroom - Rooted firmly, they stand their ground with watery resolve.
Mapping My Journey 🗺️
Sumeru is vast—a tapestry of forests, ridges, and ancient ruins that stretches from the Ashavan Realm to the borders of Liyue's Chasm. The Fungi have claimed every corner of this realm as their own. I cannot walk a hundred paces without encountering their kind, which is both a blessing and a challenge. The abundance is overwhelming; attempting to catalog every spawn point would be a fool's errand.
Instead, I've learned to work smarter. The community has become my greatest ally in this endeavor. The Teyvat Interactive Map, crafted with care by HoYoLAB, has become my constant companion. It reveals the secrets of Fungi locations with precision that only collective wisdom can achieve.
The Art of Efficient Farming 🎯
Through trial, error, and countless encounters, I've discovered that farming Dormant Fungal Nuclei is an art form unto itself. It's not merely about finding Fungi—it's about creating efficient routes that maximize your time and effort. I've watched experienced travelers share their knowledge, their paths through Sumeru as elegant as any dance.
The key is understanding the rhythm of respawns and the flow of the land. Start at dawn in one region, work your way through clusters of Fungi, and by the time you circle back, new creatures have taken the place of those you've already encountered. It's a cycle as natural as the seasons themselves.
My Recommended Approach 🌟
-
Morning Route: Begin in the Ashavan Realm, where Fungi congregate in the dense forests
-
Midday Circuit: Move toward the central regions, where variety meets abundance
-
Evening Sweep: Finish at the borders near The Chasm, where the hardiest Fungi make their homes
-
Night Preparation: Review your haul and plan tomorrow's journey
Reflections on the Hunt 💭
There's something profoundly humbling about this pursuit. Here I am, chasing after these small creatures to empower weapons of great significance. Each Dormant Fungal Nucleus I collect represents a story—a brief encounter with one of Sumeru's countless inhabitants, a moment where our paths crossed in this vast world.
I've come to respect the Fungi. Their territorial nature isn't aggression for its own sake; it's survival. They're protecting something precious, just as I'm pursuing something meaningful. In our conflicts, we're not so different—two beings trying to carve out our place in this beautiful, dangerous world.
Looking Forward 🌅
As 2026 unfolds before us, I find myself thinking about how this journey will evolve. The Sumeru I know today will undoubtedly transform, new areas will reveal themselves, and perhaps new varieties of Fungi will emerge from the depths of the forest. The Dormant Fungal Nucleus will remain valuable, but the paths to obtaining them may change.
What won't change is the fundamental truth of this pursuit: growth requires effort, power demands sacrifice, and every step forward is built upon the resources we gather along the way. My Bows will ascend, my characters will grow stronger, and the Fungi will continue their eternal dance across Sumeru's landscape.
Final Thoughts 📝
To fellow travelers embarking on this same quest: embrace the journey. Don't view it merely as grinding for materials, but as an opportunity to truly explore Sumeru's wonders. Every Fungus you encounter is part of this region's intricate ecosystem, every Dormant Fungal Nucleus a small piece of the puzzle that will unlock your potential.
The path to ascension is long, winding through forests and over ridges, but it's also filled with beauty, challenge, and discovery. Take your time, plan your routes, and remember—even in the pursuit of power, there's room for poetry.
May your aim be true, your inventory spacious, and your Dormant Fungal Nuclei abundant. The forests of Sumeru await, and the Fungi are ready for our dance to continue. 🎯🍄✨